Disney Early Morning Magic - Details & Prices

[Kimberly9701]

We have never rope dropped, and I'm a bit confused. How does this hurt rope droppers? isnt the goal to beat the hordes showing up at the rides at 10 am or so? Does this only keep people who had early BOG ADR get pre open rides off 7DMT?

This is exactly my thought. It just screams cheap and tacky and so un-Disney.

Charging a lot of money for a little thing is un-Disney? Since when?lol

I actually don't think this sounds horrible.. Especially for people who are staying off site or maybe only have MK for 1 day. Or..last minute travelers who can't get fast passes.
So they can get 2 out of the way and hope for others later.

We have season passes to an amusement park where I live.. For a fast pass ticket (certain rides with an express lane) it's an add on that is close in price if not more than the price of a daily ticket. If you want to upgrade to get the 3 most popular rides..then your price goes up even higher- and you can't do those 3 rides as it's own ticket, it's just a flat higher price that the regular fast pass. These are sold to pass holders or 1 day guests...some people think it's crazy, some love it. To each their own.

I can see people liking this..as far as Disney value, it isn't a horrible deal.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I know the article said EMH will still happen during this. But does anyone else feel like this is the start of the demise of EMH? First the extra ticket for extra night time hours and now the ticket for extra morning hours. Seems fishy.....I guess they know they can make money off it.

I think more logically it would be to provide extra hours to offsite guests, at a price.

 

[Slapshot1188]

Five adults, 2 kids, $725 admission. 5 Express passes, peak season $139 each, so $700. Taxes and fees for a total of $1576.

It was a lot of money, but the average wait time was 100 minutes yesterday for the headliners. Even with the Express Pass, most of the rides took at least half that in waiting -- a lot if people using the passes, so their return was diminished, but without the Pass it would have been unmanageable. We got there at non-resort opening at 8, went directly to Gringotts and it was 60. The ride itself was on par with anything, but after 11 AM, Diagon Alley was mostly impassable (I was sent back for chocolate frogs). Overall, the theming there was cool, but limited -- it's all just one thing -- a lot of space and energy for one movie/franchise. Impressive, but bordering on overkill. At least to me, and I did like the books and movies.

I think the Pass is cheaper at other times, but this was when we were in Orlando, so this is when we went.

The free unlimited express pass for staying onsite is a huge Universal perk. One night gets you two days (Check in and out day) of unlimited front of the line access.

 

[Kimberly9701]

While I am never one to say that Disney won't do it at DHS (at the point in time when DHS gets its new name), the rides there are so long in duration that there is no way that you could do them "over and over" in an hour. You might be able to do each ride once, and even a few of them twice. But "over and over", I just don't see it.


Well, right now, the very first person through the turnstile (assuming that they do not get passed on the say down Main Street), can be the very first person in line at PP or 7DMT, after accounting for the people who had PPO ADRs. With this new event in place, on the days when it takes place, the first person through the turnstile at 9:00 will arrive at PP or 7DMT and find a line comprised of people who paid money for early entry as well as all the people who had PPO ADRs. The latter group were precluded from getting in line prior to 9:00, but at the stroke of 9:00, they will be able to enter the line and the very first Rope Dropper will still be back at the barbershop, 5-7 minutes from joining the line. Think of it this way. Rope Droppers will be just like the "first" off site people to arrive on EMH days. They might be the first people to pass through the turnstiles at 9:00. But they are by no means the first people to get in line for the ride.

However- those people have already just been on 7DMT several times.. So they're on their way to a different ride by then... I think it's less evil than many are saying..I've been to Disney spur of the moment before...it could be good at that kind of scenario. I certainly don't think it sounds like the end of the world or reason to stay elsewhere.
I don't stay on property bc of EMH. I stay for convenience to the parks...being able to walk, take a monorail, or a boat. And I'm willing to be bet that I'm not the only person who stays for those reason..

 

[leebee]

I've only read 10 pages so if this has been mentioned, forgive me, but I think a real issue with Money Magic Hours (MMH) is that it pretty much sets park opening times in stone. As we all know, Disney is (in)famous for extending park hours at late dates, opening earlier, closing later, and messing peoples' carefully made plans. If they've sold tickets to Money Magic Hours as an event starting at 7:45am, can they reasonably extend park opening hours from 9am to 8am, and consequently change Money Magic Hours to start at 6:45am? It's one thing for EMH to start earlier, as it's a "free" benefit that people will or will not arise early for, but MMH are not cheap, nor refundable; for a family of 4 it's about $240 (assuming 2 adults, 2 kids). Are you going to be happy paying this kind of money only to have the hours changed and discover you have to blast your family out of bed an hour earlier or lose $240?

Also, EMH WILL be effected. IIRC, there used to be several EMH days at MK; now we are down to one day a week. Fortunately, during peak crowd levels, Disney has had the flexibility of adding EMH days to spread out crowds and allow more people to experience MK. This isn't going to be an option if MMH are scheduled... and I can see them doing MMH on multiple days if it proves profitable. No way to add an EMH if there's a MMH already planned and paid for.

I think one poster WAY upthread said it best: It used to be that when at Disney World, I ALWAYS felt like a guest; now, it's clear that I am nothing more than a customer.

 

[Planogirl]

The free unlimited express pass for staying onsite is a huge Universal perk. One night gets you two days (Check in and out day) of unlimited front of the line access.

I'm a bit in love with Cabana Bay where of course we don't get the express but if I ever thought it would be as crowded as the other DISer described I'd definitely be at one of the deluxe resorts. Wow, those wait times can be brutal!

 

[StuckInKS]

After spending $300 yesterday at Disney on Ice (9 tickets, 6 character cups & 3 bags of cotton candy) which is only 2 hours long and far from the magic of WDW, I'm starting to think maybe $475 isn't bad for a fun morning at MK w/ breakfast included. We still won't since there are other things at WDW we'd like to do that we could spend that $ on, but something we might consider in the future if the price doesn't creep up by then (yeah right ). Still can't stomach the nighttime prices though.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

After spending $300 yesterday at Disney on Ice (9 tickets, 6 character cups & 3 bags of cotton candy) which is only 2 hours long and far from the magic of WDW, I'm starting to think maybe $475 isn't bad for a fun morning at MK w/ breakfast included.

Seriously!! I took DS8 to see Aladdin on Broadway and I realized that for the price of the tickets for our family, we could have gone to the WDW parks for 2 days!

I really don't understand all of the bellyaching over these events. Disney hasn't taken away any resort perks, but they've added a way for offsite guests to essentially pay for them (and, certainly, any onsite guests who want to take part). No one is strong arming anyone into buying tickets for these events! There is so much anger toward WDW and their shareholders. I just find it bizarre. There are so many hotel and attraction options in Orlando at all price points. Yes, not everyone can afford to stay in a Poly bungalow with DxDDP and plus out their trip with tours, fireworks cruises, VIP tours, and these new early morning and after hour events. So what? Disney isn't a charity and they are not obligated to ensure people of all incomes can afford a week at their parks. And, no, Walt isn't turning in his grave. He never gave any of his work away for free!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm usually rabidly against the new Disney upcharge culture, but I might, *might* see some value here. Here is what I would do, use the first hour to ride the three rides (rides we usually use a FP+ for anyway or hit in the 1st hour), and then use the next hour (9-9:50) to wrap up Fantasyland and maybe even hit HM if there was time. Then right at 9:50 I would head into PVH, grab and my food, I figure as long at you have your food on your plate by 10am you are good, you can then sit and eat. You eat quick, and then you are on your way.

For $69, which is a bargain at Disney pricing, I'll be an hour a head of the game, basically free up three FP+ slots, and still be able to maximize that important first hour after rope drop, AND get breakfast. Now with FP+ really, after 10 am the lines start to build, so taking 15 mins to eat isn't a total deal breaker touring wise. Also the price is comparable to breakfast at CP, and really the offerings aren't all that different. I know that CP has more choices, but what would I really be eating other than waffles, bacon and fruit anyway. We also stay off-site, so its not like I can do EMH any other day. I'm not saying I like it, but I can see some value in Magic Mornings.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I'm usually rabidly against the new Disney upcharge culture, but I might, *might* see some value here. Here is what I would do, use the first hour to ride the three rides (rides we usually use a FP+ for anyway or hit in the 1st hour), and then use the next hour (9-9:50) to wrap up Fantasyland and maybe even hit HM if there was time. Then right at 9:50 I would head into PVH, grab and my food, I figure as long at you have your food on your plate by 10am you are good, you can then sit and eat. You eat quick, and then you are on your way.

For $69, which is a bargain at Disney pricing, I'll be an hour a head of the game, basically free up three FP+ slots, and still be able to maximize that important first hour after rope drop, AND get breakfast. Now with FP+ really, after 10 am the lines start to build, so taking 15 mins to eat isn't a total deal breaker touring wise. Also the price is comparable to breakfast at CP, and really the offerings aren't all that different. I know that CP has more choices, but what would I really be eating other than waffles, bacon and fruit anyway. We also stay off-site, so its not like I can do EMH any other day. I'm not saying I like it, but I can see some value in Magic Mornings.

Seriously!! I took DS8 to see Aladdin on Broadway and I realized that for the price of the tickets for our family, we could have gone to the WDW parks for 2 days!

I really don't understand all of the bellyaching over these events. Disney hasn't taken away any resort perks, but they've added a way for offsite guests to essentially pay for them (and, certainly, any onsite guests who want to take part). No one is strong arming anyone into buying tickets for these events! There is so much anger toward WDW and their shareholders. I just find it bizarre. There are so many hotel and attraction options in Orlando at all price points. Yes, not everyone can afford to stay in a Poly bungalow with DxDDP and plus out their trip with tours, fireworks cruises, VIP tours, and these new early morning and after hour events. So what? Disney isn't a charity and they are not obligated to ensure people of all incomes can afford a week at their parks. And, no, Walt isn't turning in his grave. He never gave any of his work away for free!

I agree with both of these comments. Disney has always been a for (high) profit company.. Always. I stay at the monorail resorts and dont typically use the EMH bc the crowd calendar usually has them at higher crowd levels. I do like the nighttime EMH at MK though.
If you aren't staying on site this could be a great opportunity..if you are, it still could possibly have some value to knock 7DMT off the list- and be able to ride it several times...and not having to use the FP which definitely you would have to use otherwise.
That being said--- the new night time up charge. I don't see the value in that at all. Unless again, you are a last minute traveler (I've gone to Disney when decided the night before) so maybe for someone like that they might do it...Or if someone is taking a Fla beach vacay and only going to MK one day..not everyone plans a Disney vacation 18 months out. I did for this upcoming trip..not til Novemeber, only bc it's combined with a cruise which I was told needed to be booked that early- and prices have gone up since I booked said cruise, with very few cabins in my category left- so that proved to be true.

 

[Slapshot1188]

I'm a bit in love with Cabana Bay where of course we don't get the express but if I ever thought it would be as crowded as the other DISer described I'd definitely be at one of the deluxe resorts. Wow, those wait times can be brutal!

Yeah I really want to try Cabana Bay and the new Sapphire Falls but it's hard to give up the unlimited front of the line perks from the other hotels. I really want to relax for a day letting the kids flow down the Cabana Bay lazy river though...

 

[tarak]

Seriously!! I took DS8 to see Aladdin on Broadway and I realized that for the price of the tickets for our family, we could have gone to the WDW parks for 2 days!

I really don't understand all of the bellyaching over these events. Disney hasn't taken away any resort perks, but they've added a way for offsite guests to essentially pay for them (and, certainly, any onsite guests who want to take part). No one is strong arming anyone into buying tickets for these events! There is so much anger toward WDW and their shareholders. I just find it bizarre. There are so many hotel and attraction options in Orlando at all price points. Yes, not everyone can afford to stay in a Poly bungalow with DxDDP and plus out their trip with tours, fireworks cruises, VIP tours, and these new early morning and after hour events. So what? Disney isn't a charity and they are not obligated to ensure people of all incomes can afford a week at their parks. And, no, Walt isn't turning in his grave. He never gave any of his work away for free!

I totally agree. I took my oldest daughter to see Wicked on Broadway last June. The two tickets came in well above $300. As for room prices, my husband and I went to NYC for our fifth anniversary (this year will be our 16th, so we're talking the price I paid 11 years ago). A room that would make a standard room at the WL look enormous was $500 a night. This was for a basic room that had a view of the alley. Granted, we were looking for something within a few blocks of the theater. But, just like Disney, we were paying for location and convenience.

I agree with both of these comments. Disney has always been a for (high) profit company.. Always. I stay at the monorail resorts and dont typically use the EMH bc the crowd calendar usually has them at higher crowd levels. I do like the nighttime EMH at MK though.
If you aren't staying on site this could be a great opportunity..if you are, it still could possibly have some value to knock 7DMT off the list- and be able to ride it several times...and not having to use the FP which definitely you would have to use otherwise.
That being said--- the new night time up charge. I don't see the value in that at all. Unless again, you are a last minute traveler (I've gone to Disney when decided the night before) so maybe for someone like that they might do it...Or if someone is taking a Fla beach vacay and only going to MK one day..not everyone plans a Disney vacation 18 months out. I did for this upcoming trip..not til Novemeber, only bc it's combined with a cruise which I was told needed to be booked that early- and prices have gone up since I booked said cruise, with very few cabins in my category left- so that proved to be true.

We only use EMH in the evening, too. I can rarely get my kids up and ready for RD, let alone an hour before that. As for the evening hours, it includes park admission, right? I could see paying that with the right group of people. For example, I'm taking my mom and youngest daughter to WDW in May. DD and I have APs. My mom is retired military, so she got the 4-day military salute PH. I had briefly considered buying her a one-day pass in case we wanted to go a fifth day. If DD and I didn't have APs, it might be worth it to have those extra hours. However, I'd have to know how many tickets they're selling and how crowded it might be because if I'm basically paying a big chunk of change over the cost of a one-day pass and getting a few "free" drinks, I wouldn't even consider it. I've been at MK in late August when they had EMH until 2 am and it was still crowded towards the end of the night.

Yeah I really want to try Cabana Bay and the new Sapphire Falls but it's hard to give up the unlimited front of the line perks from the other hotels. I really want to relax for a day letting the kids flow down the Cabana Bay lazy river though...

We've stayed at PBH before and will be there again in May. Depending on the crowd levels when we go again, I'd have to think very seriously about giving up that unlimited pass. I might be satisfied with the early entry, but my husband and older daughter, who are coaster junkies, really used the heck out of that pass. I'm not sure I could convince them to stay somewhere it wasn't included (and paying for it would cost us almost $500).

I have an 8:05 ADR for BOG on May 9. Assuming this new early morning shindig has a huge effect on morning crowds, I'll probably cancel. For me, the main benefit of that early entry is walking through a quiet park and maybe getting on a few rides more quickly when the park opens. My mom won't want to go on 7DMT. DD4 wasn't so thrilled with it she'd go again. If I could ride solo very quickly, I would. But it's not a huge deal if I don't. I would like to ride Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh, because my daughter loves those rides. We generally avoid RD at the MK because it's such a mad house. So I'll just keep the fast passes I have (which include those three rides) and we'll get to MK when we feel like it. There are few must dos for us when we go to WDW. But that's because we've been there multiple times. I feel badly for the people who have planned everything out only to have Disney change hours and give new priority to people who can pay the upcharge for it.

 

[rn448698]

I think it's important for people upset with these recent changes to email corporate at: WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I think the anger directed at WDW is not the selling of extras that some can afford and some can't (at least for me and similar opinions I've heard here). IMO Disney does a pretty good job of taking all price points into consideration.

My problem is with the cuts to front level CMs. There are college level courses that focus on Disney's model of delivering exceptional customer service. Current management is moving away from that model and their message. THAT is going to be their biggest problem. I don't really think the extra morning or evening paid hours are going to have that much of an impact other than possibly spreading out crowds. Rope drop masses and crowds leaving the park after Wishes during busy times are a major safety consideration now.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I think it's important for people upset with these recent changes to email corporate at: WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

I think it's important for people upset with these recent changes to email corporate at: WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

Just because some won't like it doesn't mean that it won't benefit anyone. In all of my years of going to Disney I only found out about disboards a few months ago. Before most of our trips were spur of the moment or for F&W. My 30th birthday was a combo of DW and Islands of Adventure..6 of us went. I could totally have seen us purchasing the night time extra hours back then.. I lived in Boca Raton so it was just a few hour drive. Like I said in a previous post, there are all types of Disney travelers, some plan,some don't. But I do think this would be a benefit to someone staying offsite..or only spending 1 day...maybe visiting friends in Orlando...etc etc How would it hurt you by them choosing to spend their money to do this?

 

[Kimberly9701]

I think it's important for people upset with these recent changes to email corporate at: WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

I think it's important for people upset with these recent changes to email corporate at: WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

Just because some won't like it doesn't mean that it won't benefit anyone. In all of my years of going to Disney I only found out about disboards a few months ago. Before most of our trips were spur of the moment or for F&W. My 30th birthday was a combo of DW and Islands of Adventure..6 of us went. I could totally have seen us purchasing the night time extra hours back then.. I lived in Boca Raton so it was just a few hour drive. Like I said in a previous post, there are all types of Disney travelers, some plan,some don't. But I do think this would be a benefit to someone staying offsite..or only spending 1 day...maybe visiting friends in Orlando...etc etc How would it hurt you by them choosing to spend their money to do this?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Just because some won't like it doesn't mean that it won't benefit anyone. In all of my years of going to Disney I only found out about disboards a few months ago. Before most of our trips were spur of the moment or for F&W. My 30th birthday was a combo of DW and Islands of Adventure..6 of us went. I could totally have seen us purchasing the night time extra hours back then.. I lived in Boca Raton so it was just a few hour drive. Like I said in a previous post, there are all types of Disney travelers, some plan,some don't. But I do think this would be a benefit to someone staying offsite..or only spending 1 day...maybe visiting friends in Orlando...etc etc How would it hurt you by them choosing to spend their money to do this?

I totally agree. I think these events, certainly the nighttime one, are really geared to a different niche of people who aren't spending an entire week at WDW. Why shouldn't Disney encourage them to come to the parks? The morning one, I could see appealing to families with younger children staying offsite that can now get in early, knock out a few of the high-crown Fantasyland rides, use their 3 FP+ on other rides, eat lunch and get back to their house, resort, etc. for a nap. If those onsite want to do this as well, it's their prerogative, though, many of us on these boards know we could simply stay onsite and utilize EMH to replicate this early morning offering for much, much less. At the end of the day, why shouldn't Disney reach out to look for other markets to capitalize on? No one HAS to buy these tickets and they haven't taken anything away from onsite guests.

I do agree with the PP though that the cutting of CM hours, lowering staffing levels, etc. is worrisome. I don't think that will add to the guest experience and it appears it is causing anger and stress for the CM's. I think we are seeing growing pains with the new parks chairman. We shall see what the future holds.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I totally agree. I think these events, certainly the nighttime one, are really geared to a different niche of people who aren't spending an entire week at WDW. Why shouldn't Disney encourage them to come to the parks? The morning one, I could see appealing to families with younger children staying offsite that can now get in early, knock out a few of the high-crown Fantasyland rides, use their 3 FP+ on other rides, eat lunch and get back to their house, resort, etc. for a nap. If those onsite want to do this as well, it's their prerogative, though, many of us on these boards know we could simply stay onsite and utilize EMH to replicate this early morning offering for much, much less. At the end of the day, why shouldn't Disney reach out to look for other markets to capitalize on? No one HAS to buy these tickets and they haven't taken anything away from onsite guests.

I do agree with the PP though that the cutting of CM hours, lowering staffing levels, etc. is worrisome. I don't think that will add to the guest experience and it appears it is causing anger and stress for the CM's. I think we are seeing growing pains with the new parks chairman. We shall see what the future holds.

Exactly. My main point is although now I have become one of the crazy planners ...I wasn't always this way..and a lot of people aren't. The night time hours would be great for adults or people with teenage children who don't wish to be tripping over strollers all day- for me this would not be a benefit at this point in my life..but the morning hours could be..especially during high crowd times. The lowering staff levels could be a problem, I do agree with that. Bottom line- people fear change, but reality is, it doesn't have to be such a huge issue. For someone who is saving hundreds, even thousands of dollars, by staying offsite, this opens up a new opportunity for them.

 

[bababear_50]

I am a rope drop AM EMH person and I think this is the start of all EMH becoming a paid for activity.
I believe if their "Test" works out well we will see the end of EMH offered as part of a stay at Disney resorts.
This is the push I think I needed to make our next vacation an extended stay over at Universal.
Hugs Mel

 

[Planogirl]

Yeah I really want to try Cabana Bay and the new Sapphire Falls but it's hard to give up the unlimited front of the line perks from the other hotels. I really want to relax for a day letting the kids flow down the Cabana Bay lazy river though...

Since pool hopping is allowed why not do so no matter where you stay? At least I think that Cabana Bay is a part of it.

Both pool areas at Cabana Bay are pretty amazing if you haven't gone yet.